QUINCY, Fla. (WTXL) - Exciting changes are coming to Quincy, starting with plans to renovate the historic Stevens High School which burned down a year ago.
WTXL ABC 27 was at the groundbreaking ceremony to see how this will benefit the Quincy community.
Dozens of locals, some who were even students at Stevens High School, came out to the ceremony to cheer on the news that plans have been approved for construction to start.
On March 26, a fire erupted in the historic Stevens School, destroying the school locals have been attending since the 1920s.
Residents say it was the only school for African-Americans in Gadsden County before integration, adding, they lost a part of Quincy’s history when it burned down.
The $470,000 project won’t just rebuild the school, it will also add a community center with an incubator, health services and food.
“Some of the finest educators that have ever come out of Gadsden county came from the old Stevens school," said Commissioner Sherrie Taylor. "What we are getting ready to embark upon is services that mirror this community. They need health education programs from the people who live right around here.”
Commissioner Sherrie Taylor adds it will bring new job opportunities and education programs to the community, something all the locals say they are thrilled to have in walking distance from their homes.
All of the money for the project is coming from the insurance money from the fire.
The Gadsden County commissioners have approved plans to start construction in the next 3 to 6 months.
